How to pick a stateroom? One or two

[jdragr]

So I am planning to book something on Monday. We want to cruise in June. This will be my dh's 50th birthday present. Will be cruising with our dd's who are 21 and 15. Have decided on the Caribbean. Noe to pick a stateroom. They seem so small. We usually stay in a hilton condo when in Orlando that is my dad's timeshare or a cabin when visiting the mountains. Would we be satisfied with the balcony room and can we all fit in one? Have been looking at Carnival, Norwegian, and royal.

 

 

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[t_car]

Depends on your perspective, and budget.

Basically you are 4 adults, size-wise. A balcony cabin will be fairly snug for 4 people. But considering all you really need it 4 is sleeping and showering, it may work for you. Keep in mind that one or two of you have to sleep on a bed that pulls down from the ceiling (think bunkbed). This would be the least expensive way to cruise.

You could upgrade to a family cabin or suite, more and no pull down beds, and larger balcony.

Last option is 2 cabins, Mom and dad in a balcony, and DDs in an inside accross the hall. More privacy and 2 bathrooms.

 

Any of the cruise lines you mention have similar sized cabins. Choose the one that has the itinerary you like best.

 

Best thing is to set your budget, and wishlist, call a TA and see what's out there.

Edited April 20, 2014 by t_car
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[Flatbush Flyer]

IMHO, 4 people (including 2 young women) in a standard stateroom (with or without a balcony), which only has a single head would be torture. Adjoining rooms would be nice. You can ask your TA. But, I'm guessing it may be a bit late in the game to find them for June.

 

 

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[BLAMBKY]

I would suggest 2 rooms. Young ladies tend to bring a lot of things w/cords (curling irons, straighteners) and there are very few, not to mention space is very tight. My DD (love her to pieces) would drive me batty to share a cabin. She does not mind living out of her suitcase. Of course, the suitcase, she leaves on the small couch! (Poor brother!) Lastly check the price, most often the 3rd/4th passengers are not discounted enough for me to go with a single bathroom....yep, I strongly recommend 2 rooms, even if they need to be interiors. Hope you have a blast!

[spookwife]

with 4 full sized people , 3 of whom are female.. 2 rooms.

 

Might I suggest a balcony for the 'rents with an inside across the hall or next door for the young 'uns.

 

it is very late to be looking for a cruise in June however and you may be very limited as to what is available to book at all. you may need to be very flexible.

[cb at sea]

A ships cabin isn't even close to a hotel room...unless you book a GS or above..even a JS won't be large enough for essentially 4 adult sized people.

[mcgratru]

We cruised Carribean with me, DH and 15 year old DS in one room on Carnival Glory....it was awesome. Next spring we plan to return but are also bringing 23 year old DD....I have told my husband I am not going unless we have two rooms. It will cost us about 400-600 more to get a balcony for us with an interior across the hall for "kids" but I consider this a small price to pay for my sanity....4 people, tiny room, one bathroom is not a vacation:)

Edited April 20, 2014 by mcgratru

[Sauer-kraut]

Since you're four ... look in to suites on various lines, they will have more space and beds. On NCL there are suites that have access to a private outdoor area, private dining for breakfast and lunch and butler/concierge service. You can't go wrong with that!

 

Or 2 cabins one balcony and an inside across the hall.

[jdragr]

Great advice everyone and was what I was thinking. My dh is a big guy so I was also thinking that one room wouldn't work. What about if we get a suite? Would that work or would it be more economical to get two balconies?

 

 

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[Essiesmom]

Be very careful with suites...Often the beds for the 3/4 people are a pullout couch that they will share. So, make sure what the configurations are in a suite. And the suite may have more square footage, but still only one bathroom. You may find two cabins which offer each their own bed, and two bathrooms will trump a suite. EM

Edited April 20, 2014 by Essiesmom

[jdragr]

I'm still just as confused as ever. Spent the afternoon searching Carnival, Royal, and Norwegian. Carnival seems to be the least expensive. If we booked Carnival with a Grand Suite would that be large enough for the 4 of us?

 

Here is what my requirements are:

My daughter is a majorette so that rules out all but sail dates of June 8, 22, 29 or July 6. The rest of the summer is full between her band camps and I volunteer with the Miss Alabama pageant system which takes up part of June.

 

I would LOVE to sail from New Orleans because we could drive; live in Alabama.

 

Want to do a Caribbean cruise.

 

Used to upscale vacations but it is because I research and find great deals.

 

Is there another cruise line I should be looking at?

[MamaTene]

Look at Princess. They have some great sailings during the time frame you are specifically looking at. Grand Suite SHOULD be big enough but I STILL say go with two rooms..balcony cabins next to each other I prefer.

You DO need to move on this though as sailings on those dates are filling up fast. Good luck!

[Flatbush Flyer]

I'm still just as confused as ever. Spent the afternoon searching Carnival, Royal, and Norwegian. Carnival seems to be the least expensive. If we booked Carnival with a Grand Suite would that be large enough for the 4 of us?

 

 

 

Here is what my requirements are:

 

My daughter is a majorette so that rules out all but sail dates of June 8, 22, 29 or July 6. The rest of the summer is full between her band camps and I volunteer with the Miss Alabama pageant system which takes up part of June.

 

 

 

I would LOVE to sail from New Orleans because we could drive; live in Alabama.

 

 

 

Want to do a Caribbean cruise.

 

 

 

Used to upscale vacations but it is because I research and find great deals.

 

 

 

Is there another cruise line I should be looking at?

 

Previous answers have suggested that you consult with a cruise specialist TA. Given that you have (with good reason) mentioned being "confused" AND we don't know what "upscale" means to you (for some folks, that would mean other than the lines you're considering) AND you're late in the game for this summer AND you need to know what cabins (particularly adjacent doubled) are still available across multiple lines AND you want the absolute best price (which you'll seldom get by booking directly with the cruise line), you really should be having this conversation with a cruise specialist TA.

 

 

 

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[oakridger]

Yes...go see a good TA tomorrow....don't wait another moment! They will be able to find the best fit for your family. Have a great cruise!

[jdragr]

Thanks again for the answers. I've never used a TA before. How do I find a good one?

 

 

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[jdragr]

Look at Princess. They have some great sailings during the time frame you are specifically looking at. Grand Suite SHOULD be big enough but I STILL say go with two rooms..balcony cabins next to each other I prefer.

 

You DO need to move on this though as sailings on those dates are filling up fast. Good luck!

 

 

I did try to find two balcony rooms together and gave up because I can see where that would be a good option also especially given the ages of our children.

 

 

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[Flatbush Flyer]

Thanks again for the answers. I've never used a TA before. How do I find a good one?

 

 

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I started by googling articles in Conde Nast Traveler, which does a "best travel agents" piece about every two years. Depending on where you live, a yelp search might bet something. If you're a college grad, your alumni association may have a travel coordinator who can recommend someone. Same thing with other professional or affinity groups. You might also try googling "best cruise agents" or "best cruise specialists" and you'll find other rating lists. When you see the same agency popping up over and over, give them a call. In doing this, note that you want a full time accessible TA either certified as a specialist by one or more lines or, at least, demonstrably experienced. You can also ask cruise lines for recommendations of folks in your area. Lastly, having a website is important but I'd personally steer clear of web only operations.

 

 

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[lrowe70]

 

Want to do a Caribbean cruise.

 

Used to upscale vacations but it is because I research and find great deals.

 

Is there another cruise line I should be looking at?

 

You don't need a TA. Whatever research you do for other vacations, you can do for a cruise. Start with the cruise line websites and google.

Any of the lines you've already mentioned are fine, and 2 balcony cabins will work great. Simply type in the date and location you want and your options will pop up. Easy.

[Flatbush Flyer]

You don't need a TA. Whatever research you do for other vacations, you can do for a cruise. Start with the cruise line websites and google.

 

Any of the lines you've already mentioned are fine, and 2 balcony cabins will work great. Simply type in the date and location you want and your options will pop up. Easy.

 

 

Want OBC or freebies beyond what a cruise line offers, want clout when you try to get a refund for a price drop after full payment is made, want someone to do the research for you (and do it right because they do it everyday AND they want your repeat business), want someone who can take what your idea of "upscale" is and translate it to the right category of cruise lines, want someone to hold accountable other than whoever answers the phone (this time) at the cruise line's call center? If not, then you really don't need a TA.

See my earlier post under "new cruisers" regarding "why use a TA" for a personal example of a TA saving us the equivalent of a 25% discount in refunds/amenities/credits beyond the cruise line's best deal at original booking. For a large family or a premium line, that means thousands of dollars.

 

 

 

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[m1celt]

I couldn't help myself and did a dummy booking on Carnival this morning. Here is what I found. The Carnival Dream leaving New Orleans on Jun 22, 2014. There are two balcony cabins next to each other - 6456 and 6460. They are on the Upper Deck, aft section of the ship.

I don't know if this is what you are looking for. I don't know if Carnival is the right fit for your family.

However, it is possible to do this yourself.

If you have any questions on how I found these, I'll do my best to help.

Good luck,

Mary

[jdragr]

Talked to a TA today that was with a travel agency that should have known more than me. She didn't. Haven't booked yet. Ugh!

[Flatbush Flyer]

Talked to a TA today that was with a travel agency that should have known more than me. She didn't. Haven't booked yet. Ugh!

 

 

Sorry to hear that. Are you googling "cruise only" or "cruise specialist".?IMHO, All-in-one travel agencies are just that. Too bad we can't name folks here.

 

 

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[jdragr]

Sorry to hear that. Are you googling "cruise only" or "cruise specialist".?IMHO, All-in-one travel agencies are just that. Too bad we can't name folks here.

 

 

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Yes, and when I called was told she could help me with that. But when I asked if there was any amenities to booking a suite over balcony told me no. I called back later this afternoon to put the suite on hold and it is gone. I have a balcony on hold for now.

 

I had decided to book a suite because I know when we usually vacation dh doesn't like the girls being in a room without us so I didn't think he would like the two balconies beside each other. So now I have one balcony on hold. :confused::confused::confused:

[Flatbush Flyer]

Sounds like you may have chosen a "web only" operation (and got a call center) rather than a "brick and mortar" business. Look on the websites for bios and pix of the TAs. If applicable, the bio will cite "cruise specialist" for particular line(s) and/ or destinations. Also, what you're looking for in "amenities" are extras in general more so that one kind of cabin over another (though that may make some difference - e.g., more expensive cabin gets additional items). Some TA's will give you OBC if you're a new customer.

 

 

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[jdragr]

Sounds like you may have chosen a "web only" operation (and got a call center) rather than a "brick and mortar" business. Look on the websites for bios and pix of the TAs. If applicable, the bio will cite "cruise specialist" for particular line(s) and/ or destinations. Also, what you're looking for in "amenities" are extras in general more so that one kind of cabin over another (though that may make some difference - e.g., more expensive cabin gets additional items). Some TA's will give you OBC if you're a new customer.

 

 

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Actually this is a brick and mortar with a local number that I called. What is OBC?

 

 

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